MEET THE FAMILY
Jess's older sister is planning this major life event for most of the film.
wedding
This is the name of Jules's teammate and best friend, who becomes the film's main character and lead player.
Jess
This is the term for the specific curved kick that Jess practices and perfects throughout the film.
a bent/curled free kick
This causes tension between Jess and Jules when they realize they like the same person.
their both liking Joe (a misunderstanding/jealousy)
Jess ultimately runs off from this family event to play in a crucial match.
Pinky's wedding
This is the name of Jess's sister, whose wedding forces Jess to miss a crucial match
Pinky
Jules's mother worries that playing football will make Jules seem like this, reflecting the film's exploration of gender expectations.
a lesbian
Jess uses her signature bent free kick during this pivotal moment near the end of the film.
the final/deciding match she plays after leaving the wedding
By the film's end, Joe and Jess's relationship is left in this state, hinting at a future together.
unresolved but hopeful
In the final scene, this real football legend is shown at the airport, tying back to Jess's idol worship.
David Beckham
This is Jesse's traditional Punjabi Sikh family's surname.
Bhamra
This is the name of the women's football club Jess joins.
the Hounslow Harriers
This is the name of the position Jess plays on the football team.
striker/forward
Both Jess and Jules develop feelings for this character over the course of the film.
Joe (the coach)
Jess and Jules both receive scholarship offers to play soccer in this country.
the United States
This family member catches Jess practicing soccer in the park and is horrified
her mother (Mrs. Bhamra)
This is the profession/role of Joe, the man who coaches the Harriers.
the coach
Joe teaches Jess this technique, which becomes her signature move by the film's end.
bending the ball around a wall of defenders
This nickname is used by Jess's family and friends for her throughout the film.
Jess
At the wedding, this family member ultimately gives Jess his blessing to leave and play in the match
her father, Mr. Bhamra
This is the sport Jess's father, Mr. Bhamra, was once talented at but was barred from playing in England due to racism.
cricket
Jules first spots Jess's talent while she's playing football with boys in this location.
the park
Jess and her teammates train and play their home matches on this type of local sports ground.
football pitch
Jess's parents want her to eventually marry a man of this background, reflecting cultural expectations.
a nice Indian/Sikh boy
This body part is scarred, which Jess is self-conscious about and hides throughout the film.
her leg/thigh